Danton (1983)

 

In 1793, as the Terror begins in France, Georges Danton, a champion-of-the-people, returns to clash against Maximilien Robespierre and his extremist party.

From memory: Gerard Depardieu is fully convincing as Danton in conflict with Robespierre in this accomplished, but quite demanding depiction of a decisive moment of the French Revolution, clearly evoking similar events in Poland at the time (although denied by the director).

Halliwell*: "Vivid historical re-creation which finally exhausts the spectator and is a little too concerned to make political points."

Maltin****: "Literate, absorbing, knowing drama...A brilliant film, with obvious parallels to contemporary political situation in Poland. Depardieu is magnificent in the title role. 

 

Panny z Wilka (1979)

 

A man just under forty, comes to the countryside and visits his aunt and uncle`s house, as well as a nearby manor house where he spent his youthful years accompanied by the young girls living there.

From memory: A study of post-war loss and decay is presented in poetic and atmospheric images, all in good artistic taste, but without any direct political stance.

 

 

 

 

Kanal (1957)

 

In 1944, during the Warsaw uprising against the Nazis, Polish Lieutenant Zadra and his resistance fighters use Warsaw's sewer system to escape the German encirclement. 

Brilliantly staged and photographed, this tough and intense war drama compels with its director's sure hand in delivering his message, which is quite dark, nearly nihilistic.

Halliwell*: "A suffocatingly unpleasant film to watch; its message and technical excellence are undoubted."

Maltin***: "Intense, almost unrelentingly graphic account..."